Overview

Eligibility

Program Description

The curriculum for this program was created to meet the academic needs and interests of students in pre-professional medical studies and public health majors and minors, as well as students studying Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. On this program, students discover the different perspectives, challenges, and needs of diverse populations in London and Kingston with a once-in-a-lifetime service learning opportunity.

Course load includes:

One Health Studies course taught by IES Abroad in London

A Health course taught at the School of Health Sciences at City, University of London or at the School of Global Health at Queen Mary, University of London
Intensive 6-credit Social Welfare Policy course with required service learning placement in London and in Kingston at the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Mona
One elective course from the Study London ProgramDuring the final 10 days of the term, students participate in an extended course-related trip to Kingston, Jamaica, hosted by the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Mona. Learn about the health care issues in a developing economy through lectures, discussions, and observation at community health clinics and local NGOs.

Dates

Location

With a population of over 8 million, London is the largest city in the United Kingdom and home to a diverse population which speaks as many as 300 languages. It is considered a hub for business, finance and tourism and is visited by over 19 million tourists a year. London is also a center for arts and culture with over 230 professional theaters and 250 museums including the British museum, home of the Rosetta Stone, and the National Gallery which houses 2300 paintings from a wide-range of historical periods. With a history going back to Roman times, one can explore many important historical sites and monuments including Westminster Abby the burial site for the British monarchy and important historical figures, Big Ben, the House of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. With Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton and Stonehenge only a few hours away, London is close to many of England’s most well-known points of interest.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Health Policy and Administration

Course Listings

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed.

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on IES Abroad before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:

Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options

To register for courses on this program you will work with your host program.

Academic Policies

You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 16 credits

You will enroll in 4 courses

You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis

World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad

You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad

If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:Grade Conversion Scale

Host Institution Grade

Penn State Grade

A

A

A-

A-

B+

B+

B

B

B-

B-

C+

C+

C

C

D

D

F

F

Credit Conversion Scale

3 credits

3 PSU credits

Instructions and Terminology

Students enroll in 16 credits per semester, and all courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. Credits awarded for supplementary university courses vary.

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:

HL/SL395 Social Welfare Policy in the United Kingdom and Jamaica: A Service Learning Perspective & Practicum Final portion taught at the University of the West Indies School of Nursing, Mona (required, 6 credits)

HL300 Comparative Health Care Systems & Policies in Britain, Europe, and the United States (required for fall students, 3 credits)

An additional Health course, taught at the School of Health Sciences at City, University of London or at the School of Global Health at Queen Mary, University of London (required, 4 credits)

Study London Program elective course (required, 3 credits) Please visit the Study London Program page to learn more about the elective courses offered in a variety of disciplines such as Art History, Communications & Media Studies, Film Studies, Fine Arts, History, Literature, Marketing, Sociology, or Women’s Studies

Housing and Meals

Housing

London: Students will live in a Residence Hall in Central London with another IES Abroad student in a shared a room with an en-suite bathroom and will have access to a common kitchen or en-suite kitchenette. There are laundry facilities and WiFi access throughout the building, and you will have access to a fitness facility.

Kingston: Student Apartments in Kingston– You will be housed in apartments during your 10-day, course-related trip that is part of this program. Each apartment houses four students, and the faculty on the trip are housed in adjacent apartments. Your housing, some food costs, and internal transportation are covered in the program fee.

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. [remove if not applicable]

Meals

Students will have access to an equipped kitchen where students will cook for themselves. There a many food markets and affordable restaurants nearby.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser.

*Students choosing to study for an Academic Year on an IES program will receive a tuition reduction on their spring semester bill.

Scholarships

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

Life Abroad

General Information

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website.

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website.

Education Abroad Advisers

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website.

Social Media

For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!

NOTE: Start date indicates arrival in host country. End date marks the departure from program housing.

Fall

2019

03/01/2019

03/13/2019

TBA

TBA

Spring

2020

05/01/2019

06/07/2019

TBA

TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.